Lawyer Allred calls for ‘truth’ in Jackson story

Attorney Gloria Allred, representing the 13-year-old boy who says he was molested by singer Michael Jackson, met with reporters Thursday to say the press is getting a “one-sided” story and that her client “wants the truth to come out.”

The high-profile attorney announced Tuesday that she had been retained on behalf of the boy, who alleged to police and children’s services officials that he was sexually molested by the pop star.

At the packed press gathering at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Allred said her client wants to “have his day in court” and implied that a civil lawsuit aimed at the entertainer is in the offing, but would not comment on the boy’s allegations.

The attorney would not comment on the alleged extortion, nor would she say who hired her.

“Why is Michael Jackson, an adult, repeatedly sleeping in the same bed as a young boy?” Allred asked rhetorically. “There has been a concerted effort to deflect attention from what really happened.”

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Jackson family boarded a flight for Taipei, where the singer begins a two-night stand tonight. Michael’s parents were joined by his siblings Jermaine, Randy, Rebbie and Jackie on the flight.

Sister LaToya appeared on the “Today” show Thursday morning, one day after brothers Tito and Jermaine walked off the set of the show moments before an interview was to begin.

LaToya expressed support for her brother, saying he’d already been found guilty in the press. She stated he’d sometimes had young boys stay over at the family house in Encino. Asked if she believed the molestation allegations, she said, “I honestly don’t think he’d do anything like that, but we don’t know.”